When you are looking for a new supplier for your business, you know that things can get pretty stressful. There are a lot of different factors to consider, especially at a time when things are so tough for businesses across all different sectors. We know that the rising cost of living is hitting everyone hard right now, and businesses are looking for ways to trim our budgets without raising our prices too high. We know that there are shortages that have been an issue for at least the last year or so. In a lot of ways, it does not seem like the ideal time to have to be looking for a new agreement with a new supplier.
However, you should always look at this step as an opportunity. Finding the right supplier for your business is the start of a new chapter, and you could be looking at a significantly better quality of product and of service. If you are looking for a new aggregates supplier, then there are several different key factors that you will need to look out for. Here are a few of the most important.
Factors To Consider When Finding A New Aggregates Supplier
1. Look For Expertise
Let’s start with a simple but important point. If you are going to be starting a new business arrangement with an aggregates supplier, you will want to make sure that they have the expert knowledge you need. You will know that there are many different potential uses for aggregates and that almost all of them will require a specific make-up. Look for a business that understands your specific business needs and can talk to you about the best solution available.
2. Look For Experience
When you are looking for a new supplier, there are very few things as reassuring as experience. We know that experience does not necessarily mean expertise, but if they can demonstrate both, you should feel pretty confident. Find out how long the company in question has been operating and look for the firms that they have done business with. Do not be afraid to ask for case studies and feedback from the other companies in question.
3. Look For A Low Carbon Footprint
Right now, we are all thinking about climate change. We have heard stories about extreme weather events, and we are looking at a very hot summer here in the UK. As business owners, we are all looking for ways to saving the planet that we can reduce our carbon footprint, and a big part of that is making sure that our suppliers are as environmentally aware as we are.
Look for a supplier that can demonstrate its commitment to net-zero and takes sustainability seriously. When you buy aggregates by Hanson, for example, you know that you are committing to a supplier that has reduced its carbon footprint by 50% since 1990 and is committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2050. With around 300 manufacturing sites, it has the skills, expertise, and resources to guarantee you top quality and superb service.
4. Look For Transparency In Pricing
Everyone is looking for ways to keep their costs down right now. The last thing you want is to reach an agreement with a supplier that includes vague promises on pricing, only to discover that the costs are considerably higher when the final bill comes.
If you have any concerns, it is always much better to contact the firm in question ahead of time to discuss what the price breakdowns are going to look like. Remember that you can always get a few different quotes from different suppliers before you commit to anything. You should also be upfront about how much money you have to work with, as you may be able to come to an agreement that works for both of you.
5. Look For Delivery Details
One of the biggest issues for so many businesses in the last few years has been the question of supply. We all saw the news stories about the shortage of delivery drivers last year, and no one wants to be left holding the bag with a major project ready to go ahead. Before you agree to anything with an aggregates supplier, you need to find out more about their delivery and distribution methods. Your peace of mind is crucial when you are running a business, and any aggregate contractor worth their salt should be able to understand that.
6. Look For Good Customer Service
Finally, it is always worth putting a lot of importance on the personal touch. When you are looking for a new supplier, you want to know that you are going to be able to contact them when you need to. You want to know that they are going to be responsive, helpful, and able to offer solutions to problems as and when they arise. It is always worth sitting down with a new supplier to get a sense of this.